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Regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF), a parameter of neuronal activity in the brain, was measured by the 133Xe inhalation method in 43 patients undergoing stereotactic thalamotomy. A postoperative flow reduction of about 2% in the operated hemisphere was found, persisting in further measurements performed after a year. There was no consistent change in the pattern of regional flow distribution. The results indicate a diminished level of activity in the hemisphere subjected to thalamotomy, but the change could not be linked to any specific area or function.

Serial measurements of regional cerebral blood flow by the 133Xe inhalation method were performed in a pilot study in 6 patients undergoing stereotactic psychosurgical procedures (anterior capsulotomy, cingulotomy, frontobasal tractotomy). Average hemispheric flow did not change significantly from pre- to post-operative, but changes were seen in the patterns of regional flow distribution. The most striking finding was frontal flow reduction following capsulotomy. In view of the coupling of blood flow and function in the brain, the results indicate that this method offers a new way for exploring the effects of functional neurosurgery on brain activity.